A “strong focus on people’s privacy and dignity” and “exceptionally caring” staff were just two of the reasons cited for a Stockton care home being rated outstanding.

Longlast care home, in Stockton - which accommodates up to 11 people and provides care and support for people living with a learning disability - was inspected by the watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Inspectors who visited in March gave a glowing report about the establishment saying that its staff were compassionate and kind, and deliver “personalised care” to residents.

Rosalind Sanderson, head of inspection for the CQC, said: “This is a service that provides exceptional care. It’s encouraging to witness such strong and innovative management.

“To improve from good to outstanding demonstrates that Longlast have striven to enhance the service user experience.

“This is an exceptionally caring service.

“Visiting healthcare professionals made very complimentary remarks about the standard of care.

“There was a strong focus on people’s privacy and dignity.”

She also said:

• staff had enabled people to find new adapted mobility aids, which had led to them being able to spend the majority of their time enjoying activities in the service, or out and about in the community,

• if people needed help inspectors saw many examples of staff providing support with compassion and kindness,

• the focus on individual personalised care was outstanding, we found that the staff made sure the service worked to meet individual needs,

• each person had a key worker who helped them maintain care plans.

Ms Sanderson added: “The registered manager told us that no complaints had ever been received. None of the people or relatives with whom we spoke said they had any complaints or concerns.

“We found that the registered manager and provider clearly understood how to thoroughly investigate any concerns.

“It is clear the care being provided by Longlast is outstanding and I congratulate all concerned on their outstanding rating.”

Its level of responsiveness and being well-led were also among the reasons for the outstanding rating - a jump from its last inspection in November 2015 when it was rated “good”.